Could you wait for the umbilical cord to detach from your baby naturally?

Have you heard of the latest birthing trend?

 

A ‘lotus birth’ involves leaving the placenta attached to the baby until it falls off naturally and this practice has attracted a growing number of converts.

 

While advocates of the method believe it has physical and emotional benefits for the newborn, obstetricians have expressed their concerns, warning that it could lead to infection and even death in newborns.

 

Doctors are also worried by the fact that women who opt for lotus births also usually have 'unassisted home births' with no midwife or doctor present.

 

Lotus birthing was revived in the 1980s by yoga practitioners who were exploring natural birth.